WHAT THE HELL!!!

[86VickyLX]

Okay, this is pissing me off, I guess that it's my fault, but, anyway, I got the car started again, it starts and when it's running the lights flicker in the passenger compartment. After I don't know 5 minutes or so, the engine dies, and the lights go off. Not one thing working in the car. What the hell is that?

[cld783]

alternator

[86VickyLX]

Would the alternator also kill the power everythime I try to start it? Cause when I turn the ignition key, it clicks and then nothing.

[88Vic]

Could something be drawing power from the alternator?

[gadget73]

Bad battery cable, bad connection, or low charge in the battery would be my guess

[Dave84]

Could be the solenoid.

[Danny_R]

Like said already, check your battery with a volt meter for 12v or there abouts, Pay careful attention to the condition of the battery cables. Loose or corroded battery cables can cause the clicking you describe and even if the engine cranks and fires there maybe no juice getting from the alternator to the batt. If you do manage to get the vehicle started, get your volt meter and check the battery again. Make sure it's charging somewhere around 14v. Make sure all engine grounds are good. Faulty diodes in an alternator can cause current draws, usually a few milliamps but still enough to drain a battery. Check the starter solenoid.

Have you been having any problems with the starter before this started happening? i.e. has the starter ever failed to crank the engine sometimes and not others?

[Lincolnmania]

charge the battery, make sure the cables are good....if they are 1986. replace them......after you have done that.....start the car, check voltage at the battery with a voltmeter....should have at least 13.5v.....if you do not the altenator shit the bed, or you have bad wiring

[86VickyLX]

Charged the battery, cleaned the terminals, cleaned the cables. Perfecto! No prblem there. Runs fine and the alternator is putting out the correct amount of volts! Now I am having issues with the steering column. By means of, when I put it up all the way, the shifter goes into reverse. And so I can't start the car. I got it up enough, but I'm pretty sure the column was tight against the brackets. So what do I do for that. Btw Thain, I got the indicator cable to fit over the black clip. So when I get this Park Reverse Problem fixed, I will put that on.

[gadget73]

probably somehow you knocked the shift linkage out of adjustment. Loosen the clevis bolt under the hood by the brake booster where the rod that runs down to the trans hooks to the lever sticking off the column. put the column in place, and put the lever in park. Make sure the trans is in park, and snug the bolt back down.

[86VickyLX]

So I just loosen this bolt? I don't have to play around with anything? Just unbolt it, put the column up and bolt it backup?

[Glen]

Do it like Gadget73 said and it should work fine.

[Tiggie]

And for future reference, you can plop her in neutral to start if you can't get to park for some reason.

[86VickyLX]

Yeah you're right. Well I got that all straightened out, now a couple weird ass things going on. The door locks don't do anything anymore, I just hear a click coming from the passenger side of the car. What happened there? They were working fine last night. And also, only one of my speakers is working for my radio. The left rear one. I am really confused. They worked before I took the dash down. Now I checked the wires, and they are intact, and the connectors are connected, so what is wrong? Is it possible that three speakers went at the same time? I'm afraid to move my working one, in fears that I will then have no speakers, what else could I do to check whether the speakers are any good or not.

[86VickyLX]

:bump: